Rwanda’s industrial output increased by 6.2 per cent in March 2026 compared to the same period last year, with average annual growth at 6.3 per cent, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

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The Index of Industrial Production report by the NISR, released on Monday, May 4, indicates that utilities largely drove the growth.

Electricity expanded by 14.1 per cent, contributing the largest share to overall growth, while water and waste management grew by 16.8 per cent, the fastest among all sectors.

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Manufacturing grew by 0.9 per cent year on year. Gains were supported by food processing, which rose by 4.2 per cent, as well as metal products, machinery and equipment, which increased by 8.4 per cent. Non-metallic mineral products also performed well, growing by 5.6 per cent.

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However, some key manufacturing activities declined. Beverages and tobacco, the largest manufacturing segment, dropped by 2.4 per cent, while chemicals, rubber and plastics edged down by 0.5 per cent. Furniture and other manufacturing fell by 3.5 per cent.

On a monthly basis, manufacturing output decreased by 3.4 per cent compared to February, pointing to some short-term fluctuations.

Mining and quarrying grew by 1.8 per cent, but its contribution to overall growth remained small.

The data, based on the new 2024 benchmark, reflects continued industrial expansion.